Green infrastructure and biodiversity in the city: Principles and design

Sinnett, Danielle

Abstract

Globally urbanisation is posing a significant threat to biodiversity. Yet, human health and well-being depend on ecosystem services, which in turn are largely dependent on biodiversity. Despite a range of initiatives and mechanisms to promote nature conservation in cities it is declining. This chapter provides a summary of features in cities that are associated with greater abundance and richness of a number of species often studied in urban environments: birds, butterflies, pollinators and plants. The most common features identified include proximity to natural habitats, habitat heterogeneity, presence of native species, patch size and management practices. This is followed by some suggestions of how green infrastructure could be planned and designed to increase biodiversity. The chapter then finishes with some challenges and opportunities for green infrastructure and nature conservation.

Citation

Sinnett, D. (2015). Green infrastructure and biodiversity in the city: Principles and design. In D. Sinnett, N. Smith, & S. Burgess (Eds.), Handbook on Green Infrastructure: Planning, Design and Implementation, 87-101. Edward Elgar

• Acceptance Date: Apr 7, 2015
• Publication Date: Nov 27, 2015
• Peer Reviewed: Not Peer Reviewed
• Pages: 87-101
• Book Title: Handbook on Green Infrastructure: Planning, Design and Implementation
• ISBN: 9781783473991
• Keywords: green infrastructure, biodiversity, ecosystem services
• Publisher URL: http://www.e-elgar.com/shop/handbook-on-green-infrastructure